Laura Winham: Surrey woman lay dead in flat for three years, say family

A severely mentally sick pistillate was discovered successful a "skeletal state" aft lying dormant for much than 3 years successful her flat, her household say.

Laura Winham, 38, was "abandoned and near to die" by the NHS and societal services earlier her assemblage was recovered by her member successful May 2021, they claim.

She is thought to person died successful November 2017 aft being referred to societal attraction doubly successful the erstwhile years.

The NHS and Surrey Police person been contacted for comment.

Surrey County Council said it was a "truly tragic case" and that it would supply accusation for an upcoming inquest into the death.

Ms Winham, who had schizophrenia, lived successful societal lodging successful Woking, Surrey, and had go estranged from her family.

In 2014, a referral was made to Woking Community Mental Health Recovery and her GP, flagging that she appeared to person "untreated intelligence wellness issues", her household said. This was not followed up.

After visiting Ms Winham successful October 2017, successful what was astir apt the past clip anyone saw her alive, Surrey Police officers reported to Surrey County Council that she had been "self-neglecting, had small food, and appeared unaware of however to entree section services for help".

Shortly aft this visit, the markings connected Ms Winham's calendar stopped. One of the past entries read: "I request help".

Her sister Nicky said contempt the "warning signs" astir her deteriorating intelligence health, "everyone seems to person turned a unsighted eye".

She added: "Everybody who was successful interaction with Laura and had a work to her astatine immoderate signifier simply wiped their hands of her and forgot her.

"She was abandoned and near to die.

"It's conscionable heart-breaking to deliberation of however she lived successful her past fewer years, incapable to inquire for help, without anyone determination for her."

Iftikhar Manzoor, of Hudgell Solicitors, who are acting for the family, said: "Laura was referred to big societal attraction teams twice, firstly successful 2014 and past by the constabulary successful October 2017.

"Assessments of her needs were not carried out. Without uncertainty these were wide missed opportunities to intervene and transportation retired a payment check."

A spokesperson for Surrey County Council said it was a "truly tragic case".

"It's important that each facet of this analyzable lawsuit is reviewed and we're committed to participating afloat successful the inquest process," they added.

They confirmed they would supply immoderate accusation needed to enactment the coroner's inquiries.